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If a rag could be spared,
the stillborn might be wrapped.
If time could be spared,
there might be an imprecation -
Protect this soul from damnation,
that had no chance to sin,
even by poverty;
protect this rag of skin from crows,
who had no chance to raid a mother's empty breast.
And if breath could be spared,
as the walking or the work resumed,
a dirge.
Something to silence the question:
"Was it better thus?"
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Author notes
"aglabs" - genealogists' abbreviation for agricultural labourers, how you find them listed (if at all) in census and parish registers. Often migratory, walking to follow the pattern of harvest and sowing. My roots, in one line of descent.
Comments
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Wow
That's so very sad but beautiful. You've got an amazing write here. Glad i stumbled upon it.
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